Thursday, December 1, 2011

Head Over Heels (Lucky Harbor, #3) by Jill Shalvis

  • Title: Head Over Heels (A Lucky Harbor Novel)
  • Classification: Adult Fiction
  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
  • Format: Paperback, 368 pages
  • Publisher: Forever; Original edition (December 1, 2011)
  • ISBN-10: 0446571636
  • ISBN-13: 978-0446571630
  • Author's Website: http://jillshalvis.com/


  •    "Sheriff Sawyer Thompson.
         He practically had to duck to come in. He was in uniform, gun at his hip, expression dialed to Dirty Harry, and just looking at him had something pinging low in Chloe's belly.
         He didn't appear to have the same reaction to her, of course. Nothing rippled Sawyer's implacable calm or got past that tough exterior. And he did have a hell of an exterior. At six feet three inches, he was built like a linebacker. But in a stunning defiance of physics, he usually had a way of moving all those mouth-watering muscles with an easy, male, fluid grace that would make an extreme fighter jealous."

    Chloe Traeger was one of three sisters who inherited an Inn and turned it into a B&B. She was nicknamed the wild child. While her sisters were raised by their fathers, she was raised by a mom who didn't stay for long in one place. Chloe never formed an attachment to anyone or anything. Setting down roots anywhere just didn't seem to be in her genetic makeup. Plus, she was the type of person who did what she wanted regardless of the consequences, hence her wild child nickname.

    Sawyer Thompson, the town sheriff, was a by the book type of guy. Not even the town gossip, Lucille, who sported a Facebook page dedicated to the town's latest gossip, had anything on him. While most would see him as a great catch, many a relationship had been thwarted due to his crazy and time consuming work schedule and his dedication to his job. 

    She wasn't above breaking the law for a good cause while he was a stickler for the rules. Maybe it was the lure of being cuffed that drew her to him or the thought of seeing him lose control. Maybe it was her wildness that attracted him to her or the thought of taming her wild ways. They were like oil and water. But opposites do attract...

    What makes a romance great as opposed to good? Well, many things. To make a good romance the reader has to be able to relate to or identify with the characters, the story has to be believable, there should be some suspense or conflict to keep the reader's attention, and, of course, there has to be chemistry between the characters. To make a great romance, however, I feel it needs to have something more. That little something that makes you think back to the story and wish it hadn't ended. Makes you  remember certain parts with a smile on your face. A great romance doesn't have to have a hot and steamy loves scenes (although you won't ever find me complaining about them and thankfully this one has them), but it has to touch you in a way that makes you take an inner sigh. Well, this one's got all that and then some.

    A truly delightful read that had me chuckling while reading it. A story not only about romance, but the relationship only a group of sisters can have. I truly enjoyed all the characters and the way they interacted with each other.

    Chloe was a fun character who was coming to grips with the fact she wasn't alone any more. She was beginning to feel like she'd come home, but no one seemed to believe the "wild child" could settle down. I loved the fact Chloe and Sawyer were the last to realize they would make a good match.

    Sawyer was a great and sexy character. He had some inner demons and insecurities to deal with, but really came through for Chloe when it mattered. My favorite scene was when the painting got a little out of hand. You'll have to read the book to know what I'm talking about. It was too funny.

    Throughout the story Jill planted lots of extras. One such extra she added were words of wisdom which Chloe imparts at the head of each chapter. I have to admit I often ignore those, but these were all gems. Examples of some of my favorites:
    - “Why was man created before woman? Because you always need a rough draft before the final copy.” 
    - "They say money talks, but all mine ever says is 'good-bye, sucker'."
    - “I’ve always wanted to be somebody. I should have been more specific.”

    Another little extra is included at the end of the book. Chloe works at a lot of spas and sells her wares. Included at the end of the book is a recipe for Chloe's Strawberry/Banana Oatmeal Face Mask. I might have to try this one.

    Throughout the story Chloe uses a magic 8 ball app to ask questions.  Well, the publisher  or perhaps Ms. Shalvis created a free 'Ask Chloe' app. I downloaded it to my phone and found it a nice addition to my rather large collection of apps. You ask it a question and then shake your phone and it gives you an answer. Very cute.

    On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a STEAM rating - too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you look flustered and flushed. Overall, I gave this one a 5 out of 5 roses. I felt it was a wonderfully lighthearted read that had a nice blend of romance, humor, and drama. Definitely going on my keeper shelf. I highly recommend this one.


    Order of Series:
    4) Lucky in Love - Coming May 2012

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